Editor’s note: Dr. Gary Willow outlines his goals for Washington County Public Schools, including expanded student support, stronger classroom engagement and preparation for life after graduation.
HAGERSTOWN, Md. — After almost 20 years with Washington County Public Schools, Superintendent Dr. Gary Willow is taking on his new role. He plans to improve student achievement, build stronger community partnerships and create spaces where students can do their best.
In an interview with LocalNews1, Willow talked about his background, the district’s challenges and what he hopes to achieve in his first year as superintendent.
He is focusing on four main priorities: leadership, environment, learning and partnerships.
Willow said these principles will guide his work to improve education and meet students’ changing needs.
From classroom teacher to superintendent
Willow started out as a social studies teacher in Baltimore County, where he brought together his love of history and his wish to work with students.
Willow majored in history in college and said teaching felt like a natural fit. He also enjoyed coaching when he first started working in education.
As he moved forward in his career, mentors encouraged him to take on leadership roles.
Now in his 19th year with Washington County Public Schools, Willow has worked as an assistant principal, principal, central office administrator and deputy superintendent.
He said those experiences helped prepare him for his current job.
Willow said Washington County feels like home to him because of the opportunities and support he has received over the years.
Meeting the needs of a changing student population
One of Willow’s top priorities is making sure students who need special education or multilingual services get enough support.
Although the district’s total enrollment has dropped by about 200 students in the last seven years, Willow said more students now need specialized services.
This change means the district needs more staff and resources.
Willow explained that general education teachers sometimes need extra help to give students the individual attention they need.
The district has responded by hiring more case managers, intervention teachers and other support staff.
“We want to make sure every student has what they need in order to be successful,” Willow said.
He pointed out that staffing needs depend on more than just enrollment numbers.
Even if enrollment goes down, the district still has to meet the rising need for specialized instruction and services.
Improving attendance and restoring the value of education
Willow is also very concerned about student attendance.
He thinks the COVID-19 pandemic changed how students and families see regular school attendance.
Willow said that even if students finish missed assignments, it does not fully replace what they learn in the classroom.
He wants families to see how daily attendance is linked to academic success and future job opportunities.
Willow said rewards for good attendance and positive-behavior programs can help get students to school.
But he also believes schools need to show students why education is important after graduation.
This means linking what students learn in class to college programs, job certifications and careers in skilled trades.
Willow pointed out that students do not always need a four-year college degree to succeed, but they do need a plan for their future.
He gave examples like technical training in heating, ventilation and air conditioning, plumbing and other trades as paths that need more education after high school.
For Willow, helping students see these connections is key to better attendance and achievement.
Cellphone policy brings changes to classrooms
Willow also praised the district’s cellphone rules, which require students to keep their phones away during school hours.
He called this policy one of the best changes the district has made this year.
Since the policy started, Willow said he has visited every school and heard good feedback from both administrators and students.
He believes these rules have helped students talk more with each other and stay focused during class.
The district has a step-by-step approach for rule violations. First, students must put their phones in their lockers. If it happens again, staff members may take the phone until the end of the day, or a parent may need to pick it up.
Willow admitted that administrators were initially worried about how students and families would react.
But he said most of the feedback has been positive.
He also linked the policy to bigger issues like social media, screen time and student mental health.
The district previously organized a community discussion around the book “The Anxious Generation,” which examines the relationship between technology use and childhood development.
Willow believes that limiting phone use during school helps students pay more attention to learning and build better relationships.
Four priorities guide Willow’s first year
Willow said he will focus on leadership, environment, learning and partnerships in his first year as superintendent.
For leadership, he wants the district to set a clear plan for the future.
His focus on environment means making classrooms where students can learn without distractions and get the support they need.
Learning is still at the heart of the district’s mission.
Willow stressed that skills like reading, writing and critical thinking are essential for success after high school.
Partnerships are also central to his approach.
Instead of just asking parents and community members to attend meetings or give feedback, Willow wants them directly involved in improving schools.
“We want you at the table,” Willow said.
He believes students, families and community groups should all help strengthen educational opportunities.
Preparing students for opportunities beyond graduation
Willow wants to measure the district’s success by what students do after they leave Washington County Public Schools.
He said that getting students ready for graduation is just one part of education.
The district also needs to give students the knowledge and skills to keep learning, start working or get career training.
Willow said he is proud of the district’s graduates who go on to further education.
He also wants students to succeed in those programs after graduation, not just enroll.
His long-term goal is to create opportunities that help students find their interests and build confidence.
For Willow, these opportunities are closely tied to his ideas about leadership.
“Success builds success,” Willow said.
He believes that when students achieve something, they become more motivated to take on new challenges.
As he starts his time as superintendent, Willow hopes families and community members will see progress in classrooms, student support and partnerships.
His bigger goal is to make sure every student can find their strengths, explore opportunities and build a successful future.
